LORETA CHUKWU DURU
Round Rock
Summary
- Registered Nurse since February 1991. Over 30 successful years of experience as a Registered Nurse, with a strong background in direct patient care, crisis management with mental health patients, teaching and training patients and family members, as well as providing excellent staff and patient relations, and advocating for patients' needs for speedy recovery and better health.
- Work well in a busy atmosphere, handling a wide variety of disciplines and patients.
- Ability to work independently, as well as within a team environment.
- Utilize an intuitive approach, always acting as a patient advocate.
- Preceptor to new hires and new graduates
- Relief Charge Nurse while in Med/Surg unit and charge nurse currently at Shoal Creek.
- DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses Dec 2016
- Coached students in Clinical for Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2019 and 2020 with Texas Tech, TX
- Graduated Bachelor of Science in Nursing DEC 2020 Magna Cum Lande
- Nurse of the Year Finalist, 2023.
- DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, June 2023.
- Graduated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, August 2024 (DNP PMHNP-BC, Oct 2024).
Highly qualified RN with broad experience in critical care, patient education, and team leadership. Specialized skills include acute patient care, health assessments, and medical documentation. Notable strengths: superior communication abilities, strong clinical judgment, and a commitment to fostering collaborative relationships within healthcare teams. Past work highlights include implementing quality improvement initiatives that enhanced patient satisfaction, and reduced readmission rates.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
BSN, RN (Mental Health)
Ascension Seton Shoal Creek
Austin
02.2021 - Current
- Mental health assessment (admissions and discharges)
- Education on health promotion and maintenance, mental health medications education, crisis intervention, advocate for the patient, counseling patients on mental health promotion, education on the importance of follow-up with a psychiatrist, encouraging therapy sessions, collaboration with social workers for patient outpatient therapy and follow up and obtaining medication for uninsured patients and temporary residency placement
- Monitor nutritional intake (foods and fluids)
- Encourage patients to readmit in times of crisis
- Implemented safety protocols when administering medications or performing treatments.
- Coordinated discharge planning to ensure continuity of care post-hospitalization.
- Supported physicians and consultants with tests and procedures.
- Delegated tasks appropriately among staff members according to their qualifications.
- Oversaw medication administration, monitored distribution and documented responses.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehensible terminology.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses by providing orientation to unit policies and procedures, coaching on clinical skills, and mentoring on professional development issues.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare specialists to devise, implement, and modify plans of care defining patient outcome goals
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Collaborated with other departments such as pharmacy, laboratory services, physical therapy, to ensure proper delivery of services.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Audited patient charts in real-time, verifying accuracy and completion of information.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted care plans accordingly.
- Advised, coached and mentored experienced and student nurses on medical issues, crisis management, and appropriate nursing interventions.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
- Coordinated and performed patient admissions, transfers and discharges.
- Evaluated patient outcomes against established standards of care.
- Monitored vital signs, medication administration, and fluid balance for assigned patients.
- Coordinated, tasked and supervised nurses and ancillary staff based on staffing requirements.
- Responded quickly to emergent situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory distress.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Organized and delegated tasks during rapid response and high-pressure code situations.
- Provided direct patient care, including assessments and treatments, to a variety of patients.
- Managed staffing levels within the unit while ensuring optimal levels of patient care.
- Educated patients, caregivers, and families on diagnoses, treatment, and disease prevention.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Worked successfully with adiverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Mental Health Nurse
Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute
Georgetown
10.2019 - 01.2024
- Crisis intervention, mental health assessment, medication education, therapies, and patient assistance
- I work closely with patients to help them manage their mental illnesses and live productive, fulfilling lives
- Advocate for patients' needs before discharge
- Discharge education with particular attention to medication compliance and follow-up with the Psychiatrist, therapy sessions, and readmission in times of crisis
- Reassuring patients to join local groups and activities that can assist with their mental health example, church memberships
RN
Seton Medical Wilco
Round Rock
01.2015 - 02.2021
RN
Cornerstone - LTAC
Round Rock
01.2013 - 01.2015
RN
Austin State School
Austin
01.2012 - 01.2013
RN
Girling Home Health
Austin
01.2009 - 01.2013
RN, Pre/Post-Op Care
Northwest Surgery Center
Austin
01.2008 - 01.2012
RN, Med-Surg, General Patient Care
Cedar Park Regional Medical Center
Cedar Park
01.2008 - 01.2010
RN, Cardiology, Medical Patient Care
St. David's Medical Center
Austin
01.2005 - 01.2009
RN, Oncology, Women's Health, Oncology
Grant Medical Center
Columbus
01.1999 - 01.2005
RN, care of MRDD Children
Heinzerling Memorial Foundation
Columbus
01.1998 - 01.2000
RN/Midwife, ER, L&D, Med-Surg
Awo-omamma Community Hospital
Awo-omamma
01.1991 - 01.1995
Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice - PMHNP-BC
Regis College
Weston, MA08.2024
BSN -
Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota12.2020
Nursing Diploma - General Nursing
School of Nursing
Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria11-1990
Skills
- Mental health assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Medication management
- Treatment Planning
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Clinical judgment
- Patient education and counseling
- Cultural competence
- Basic life support
- Compassion and empathy
- Chronic disease management
- Emergency response
- Patient and family advocacy
- Electronic health records management
- HIPAA education
- Reporting and documentation
Certification
- Basic Life Support (CRP)
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) - American Nurses Credentialing Center.
- Registered Nurse License (RN) - State Board of Nursing.
Awards
- DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, 12/2016
- Graduated Bachelor of Science in Nursing 12/2020 Magna Cum Lande
- Nominee Nurse of the Year Finalist, 2023
- DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, 06/2023
- Graduated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, 08/2024
- DNP PMHNP-BC, 10/2024
Languages
- English, Native
- Ibo, Native
Credentials
- PMHNP-BC
- BSN
- RN
Affiliations
- Mental health conditions of individuals are as important as their general health. Having being a nurse for over 33 years, and in this career from early on in my life, I have showed resilience in balancing work life and home life and well rounded for the position of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Languages
English
Professional
Igbo
Professional
Accomplishments
- Preceptor for new hires and new graduate nurse into the role of a professional nurse
- DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses Dec 2016
- Coached Students on Clinicals for their Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2019 and 2020 with Texas Tech, TX
- Graduated Bachelor of Science in Nursing DEC 2020 Magna cum laude
- Nurse of the Year Finalist 2023
- 2nd DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses June 2023
- Multiple Daisy mention
- Graduated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner August 2024 (DNP PMHNP-BC Oct 2024)
Websites
Bibliography
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I am deeply committed to transforming mental health care through compassionate, comprehensive assessment and treatment tailored to individuals across their lifespan. My approach is grounded in evidence-based and holistic practices that prioritize both physical and emotional well-being. I strive to enhance the quality of life for each person I serve, whether they're navigating the challenges of childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, by empowering them to manage their mental health effectively.
In providing a safe, non-judgmental space, I offer support for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and complex diagnoses. My collaborative care model ensures that clients actively participate in their treatment journey, allowing their unique needs and perspectives to shape individualized care plans that integrate both therapy and medication management.
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I am trained in comprehensive assessment and diagnostic techniques while maintaining ongoing evaluation to guide my clients and their families through the complexities of mental health care. I embrace a holistic understanding of health that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. By equipping individuals with essential resources and tools, I strive to instill resilience and foster a sense of empowerment as they navigate their mental health challenges.
My overarching goal is to improve mental health outcomes and support clients throughout all stages of their journey. I am passionate about caring for people of all ages, from young children to older adults, ensuring that psychiatric and emotional well-being is prioritized at every turn. Together, we embark on a path of healing, growth, and hope.
Timeline
BSN, RN (Mental Health)
Ascension Seton Shoal Creek
02.2021 - Current
Mental Health Nurse
Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute
10.2019 - 01.2024
RN
Seton Medical Wilco
01.2015 - 02.2021
RN
Cornerstone - LTAC
01.2013 - 01.2015
RN
Austin State School
01.2012 - 01.2013
RN
Girling Home Health
01.2009 - 01.2013
RN, Pre/Post-Op Care
Northwest Surgery Center
01.2008 - 01.2012
RN, Med-Surg, General Patient Care
Cedar Park Regional Medical Center
01.2008 - 01.2010
RN, Cardiology, Medical Patient Care
St. David's Medical Center
01.2005 - 01.2009
RN, Oncology, Women's Health, Oncology
Grant Medical Center
01.1999 - 01.2005
RN, care of MRDD Children
Heinzerling Memorial Foundation
01.1998 - 01.2000
RN/Midwife, ER, L&D, Med-Surg
Awo-omamma Community Hospital
01.1991 - 01.1995
Doctor of Nursing Practice - PMHNP-BC
Regis College
BSN -
Capella University
Nursing Diploma - General Nursing
School of Nursing
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